One country often highlighted for its effective green economy practices is Denmark. Denmark has made significant strides in sustainability through a combination of policies, innovation, and societal engagement. Other countries, such as Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands, also exemplify effective green practices, each tailored to their unique contexts.

It’s the combination of proactive government policies, technological innovation, societal commitment, and strategic urban planning. This integrated approach creates a resilient and adaptable green economy model.

Costa Rica is frequently held up as a leading example of green economy implementation. As of 2020, the country produced about 98–99% of its electricity from renewable sources such as hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, and biomass under its National Electricity System. In 2018, renewable energy accounted for 35.7% of total final energy consumption, though electricity generation is much cleaner than sectors like transport which remain fossil-fuel dependent. Costa Rica has also adopted a National Decarbonization Plan targeting carbon neutrality by 2050, while maintaining strong natural capital protection through forest cover preservation and payments for ecosystem services. These policies demonstrate how integrating environmental sustainability into national planning can ensure long-term resilience and growth.

Pakistan, meanwhile, is also showing tangible progress toward a greener economy. Under the “Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme,” over 2.229 billion saplings were planted between 2019 and December 2024, achieving 68% of the 2028 target of 3.29 billion. Provincial initiatives like “Plant for Pakistan” in Punjab aim to add 42 million trees across 50,869 acres. These efforts have created nearly 327,877 eco-friendly jobs, while solar energy has grown to provide more than 25% of the nation’s utility-supplied electricity in early 2025. Alongside government action, the Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF), affiliated with Dawat-e-Islami, has ALSO amazingly contributed by planting millions of trees nationwide, including one million in Lahore and large-scale urban greening in Karachi and Sindh. Such combined state and civil-society efforts show Pakistan’s green transition is gaining depth, linking climate resilience, welfare, and economic opportunity.